Long Time No See

Well, well, well, I know what you're thinking "now why don't she write?" lol. Let me first apologize for not checking-in the last few months. Then, let me just say that this has been the craziest year I can remember (and I don't necessarily mean that in a good way).

Since we last talked, I worked a lot in April, we had an acquaintance of ours, aka the moron, and her teen daughter stay with us for about a month (what was suppose to be two weeks turned into four...pretty much the last half of April and first half of May. I was so not surprised either), my daddy finally got back to work after his motorcycle accident, I fell in love and one of my best girl friends got married! Holly cow that was a long sentence.

Ok, so lets brake it down a little (I will try to keep this short and sweet):

The Moron; This is a really long story, I'm sure I will get to it at some point but at the moment I will just say THANK GOD THAT BITCH IS OUT OF OUR HOUSE!!!! However, her daughter, "Sunshine", was a true joy to get to know and I will miss her!

Ok moving on, Daddy; I know I didn't mention much about this earlier but my daddy was in a motorcycle accident at the first of the year, he walked away from it with what seemed like very little injury. Of course the next few days he started to notice more and more that hurt, and since the ER they took him to did a half ass job of checking him over (a 50something year old man on a motorcycle gets hit by a truck and flies over the hood and you take him at his word that "he's ok"...more morons!) he had to go back. Anyway, another long story short, he had to have surgery on his hand and was unable to work for about three months. Now I love my daddy, and I'm very grateful that he was not hurt more than he was. However, having him sitting around the house with nothing to do but worry about money for three months is just not fun for anyone. Thankfully he has since gone back to work, hand is doing just fine and we are all happier now! lol

I fell in love; wow, well this is a biggy...I will post separately about this in a little bit, there is a lot I want to share.

My best friend's wedding; Dottie, one of my best friends, finally got married the the other day. She was stunning! And though I'm not a big fan of marriage, I think these two actually have a chance...cause if he hasn't left her yet, he'll stick through anything! lol. But for real, love to you both and congrats!

So I think we're kind of all caught up now. But don't worry, I will fill in more juicy details later. At the moment I was just wanting to get back here and touch base. I hope all is well with all of you and I'll be back soon :)

Oh and P.S. I might be moving to Savannah, GA!

A Monster's Life For Me

Sorry I haven't been posting a lot lately, life has been pretty busy the last few weeks, but overall good.

Anyway, the last week or so I have really been working on some arts and crafts. I have made several things but most of all I have customized a couple Monster High dolls and have made some jewelry and clothes for them as well! I finally got them listed today so I thought I would share here.

I have added a link to my Etsy shop, CherrysPassions, on my blog as well so you can easily take a quick peak at what I have for sale :)

I hope you are all having a great week!

Let The Memories Begin!

The most wonderful, exciting, magical place on earth?...I'd have to say that would be Walt Disney World!!! I know, I haven't been around the world and seen or done everything, but I can't imagine any place better in this world than the escape from it that you get in Walt's!


I don't try to hide it; I'm just a big kid sometimes (as both adults and children tell me lol). I love going to Disney World, I love everything about it from the parking lots to the characters inside...it's all so magical and such a relief from our hum-drum depressing world.


A couple of my girl friends and I had planned a girls trip to Disney for this spring. We all needed a little escape, one without kids or husbands or anything but us and Disney, and more than just a day trip. So this past week we got a room at Disney's All-Star Music Resort for 3 nights! I love staying on property at Disney, it just removes the last little bit of the world's stress by us not having to drive anywhere...just take the bus...what more do you need! So 4 days, 3 nights on property at Disney World; 2 full days at the parks, all 4 parks, plus several very special events, Downtown Disney and a drive through Celebration, FL with two of my best friends! What an amazing week!


On top of just being able to go to the parks, my friend Alice not only planned the whole trip she also paid for us all to attend the Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dinner Party at the Magic Kingdom and the Supercalifragilistic Character Breakfast at Disney's Grand Floridain Resort and Spa! Two events that none of us had ever done before, and let me tell you they were both unbelievably magical!


Well now, enough talking, here are a few pictures from our trip!

Mickey greeting us as we enter our room at the All-Star Music Resort

The Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom

T-Rex at Animal Kingdom

Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom

On the ferry heading to Magic Kingdom!

Entering Magic Kingdom!

Cinderella's Castle at Magic Kingdom

Arrrr! In line for Pirates of the Caribbean at Magic Kingdom

Take the oath, be a pirate!

Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Tutorial...run Jack, run!

The Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom

Beware all who enter the Haunted Mansion! 

Beast's Castle at Magic Kingdom (coming soon!)

Cinderella, you're a lovely as your name

Tea anyone? Alice in Wonderland topiary at Magic Kingdom

"I'm wishing, for the one I love..."

Snow White's wishing well at Magic Kingdom

This was truly a special experience!

Dinner! At the Fireworks Dessert Party

What a great view for the fireworks!

Wishes!

Cinderella's dress...thanks to all the talking mice

Street performers, they stopped right in front of us at EPCOT!

LOVE Mission: Space...and of course we did the more intense one ;)

Cinderella topiary at EPCOT

Sleeping Beauty topiary at EPCOT

Beauty and the Beast topiary at EPCOT

Inside the San Angel Inn Restaurant in Mexico at EPCOT 

where we had lunch one day

Our backdrop at the San Angel Inn Restaurant

Minnie topiary at EPCOT

MICKEY topiary at EPCOT

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios

"Come to the dark side"

Outside the Star Tours ride at Hollywood Studios

It's Miller time! Beer and popcorn was our dinner while waiting for 

Fantasmic to start at Hollywood Studios

Teddy got a new hat from Mexico at EPCOT lol

Inside the Grand Floridian where we had our Supercalifragilistic breakfast!

Even the food was Mickeyfied :)

I see why they call it the GRAND Floridian

Even the floor was grand

Snow White in Lego form at Downtown Disney

I love this guy, a classic view at Downtown Disney

Oh no! Captain Hook has Tinker Bell! 

In a store at Downtown Disney

Take a bite!

In a store at Downtown Disney

Man what a great trip! Of course I was totally dead by the end of it...my legs haven't hurt that much in a long time. I finally had a day to recoup today, and as much as I didn't want our time at Disney to end I am glad to be getting things back to normal after such a long month.

...I'm already planning my next trip though ;) I can't wait to go back!

Survival Week

Last week is over...and what a long week it was. My parents and I watched the kids (my niece, age 7, and nephew, age 9) all week while my sister, Beth, and her husband, Rob, went on a cruise.

As most of you probably know by now, I'm not much of a kid person. Not to say I don't like kids, I just like them in moderation...and then only if they're pleasant to be around. I do enjoy my friends kids, and even babysit them from time to time. However, the reason I can do that is because it's always for just a few hours at a time, then I get to give them back to their parents and be on my marry way. But this last week was a bit different; we had the kids 24 hours a day, non-stop for 8 days. I wake up, they're there. I eat, they're there. I go to bed, and they're there! This is one of the big reasons why I do not want children of my own; most days I'm doing good to just take care of myself, I don't need, or want, the constant responsibility of having to watch over a child. Please don't get me wrong, I think it's great if other people want to do it, it's just not for me.

With the previous experiences, in various forms, of dealing with children that I've had in the past, I've had a pretty good idea of what it's like to have a child, at least to a small extent. This last week, however, gave me a very good "trail" of what it's really like, and though I passed, it just confirms that I am not the mothering type and definitely would not want that kind of life for myself. I know everyone tells me "it's different when it's your own child" and I'm sure that's true, but to be perfectly honest, it boils down to the fact that I am just to selfish to want to give up my life, my freedom, my sleep, etc. for very long if I don't feel like it...and most of the time, I don't feel like it! I have always respected the parents that I know, because I know that however hard I may think their job is, I probably still have no idea how difficult it truly is. And the experience of this past week just gives me even more respect for the parents that are actually being parents and committing to a life a servitude to take care of their children.

We made it through this week, even with my momma and myself being sick, with bronchitis, and my daddy still having to be home and taking it easy after his motorcycle accident. It was pretty rough at times, three sick adults does not one healthy adult make. But even with all the coughing and achy bodies, we managed to make the best of our time together and actually had some fun! The children, bless their hearts, even said that they'd rather live with us and just go visit their daddy and step-mother (my sister) every once in a while. I know that came out of mostly just the problems they have at home, but it was still really sweet to hear.

As much as I did truly enjoy getting to spend time with them and know them better, I am glad they are gone now. I don't do too well with the invasion of my space, my home, or especially my bathroom! But I put up with it at times because I love the people that come visit us and in the end it's worth the hassle to be able to spend time with them.

I will miss the munchkins, and my sister and her husband, and I'm glad I had this opportunity to be with them this past week. As much as I don't want children of my own, I think I'm going to enjoy being the fun aunt.

New Hope

So I'm finally trying to get myself to get back into church. God and I haven't been on the best of terms lately, I haven't been in church (or doing much of anything spiritual) for over a year now and I just feel like I need to get back into a good church family and back to God.


Mamma and I have gone to a little church that's just down the street from us for two weeks in a row now and we're really liking it so far. It seems like just the kind of place I was looking for; very welcoming, non-judgmental, a place for imperfect people, and of course Bible based.


Well so the other day mamma and I went to a ladies luncheon with this church (to the Olive Garden, oh ya! lol) and, I hate to say it, but to my surprise I had a great time! I was thinking it was going to be just a few people and all much older than me...not that I have a problem with older people, I can get along with pretty much anyone if I want to, but they don't always want to get along with me. But there were about 20 of us, and though they were all a good bit older than I, we got along great and I really enjoyed meeting all of them and getting to spend some time with them. They truly seem like an amazing group of godly women.


I am still struggling with a lot of things in my life, one of which being who I am in Christ and thus how I should be living my life. But regardless of how I think of myself at any given moment, I do know, somewhere deep down, what the truth is...like it or not...and I can choose to believe it, or ignore it. Its up to me.


Now I am about to get ready to go to church again this morning. My sister and her family are here this week so we thought it would be nice for us to all go together...we could all use a little prayer.

Twilight Laughs

Since Breaking Dawn Part 1 just came out and The Hillywood Show has released their parody for it, I thought I would share all of their Twilight Saga parodies with you. These are just too funny, I die laughing every time I watch them! Enjoy!!! :D

(my personal favorite)

Only A Vampire Can Love You Forever

I hope everyone had a good Valentine's Day. I did. Though as you probably guessed, I'm not really one for the whole Vday thing seeing as how I think love is mostly just a crock of shit. However I did decide to go up and spend it with Lee since he was wanting to see me.


We didn't do anything Valentine's specific. We stayed in bed all day and watched all four of the Twilight Saga movies. Now if that's not devotion from a man I don't know what is. lol. He had actually said when Breaking Dawn: Part 1 came out at the theater that he would like to see it...but I didn't really take him seriously. But when he told me to bring all the movies with me this week, I did! So eight hours of Twilight movies in one day, with only a break to go to lunch, and he's still speaking to me! lol. The only downfall to it all was that by the end of Eclipse he decided that he was...Team Jacob...not that I don't like Jacob, but I don't like Jacob. lol. I don't dislike him, I just don't like him either. So there we were, after all those movies and his bed then divided into Team Edward and Team Jacob...it was too funny! 


It was a very lazy day, but it was fun and, at least for me, great to re-watch all the Twilight movies in a row! Now there's just one more movie and it will be complete!  

The Natives Were Restless

The Sarasota Native American Indian Festival was last weekend, and of course it was great. I truly love going every year, I look forward to it for months before its finally here. 

My choker

The highlight of the day was getting to meet the lady, Venus Brightstar, who had made my choker and bracelet some 15 years ago. The back-story; my daddy and I use to go to festivals, fairs, and shows all the time when I was younger. With my Cherokee heritage I especially liked going to the Native American shows. At one show we went to my daddy bought me a choker and a matching bracelet, beautifully crafted and completely my style! I still have them to this day. I wear them, if no other time, every year to the festival here. So back to the present; of course it was much to long ago for me to remember anything about the person we bought the choker from (I don't even remember what happened last week lol), but apparently some people have a much better memory then I. The moment I walked by this lady's booth she looked at me and asked me a question about my choker, when I answered she proceeded to ask me a few more questions (like when I got it, etc.). When I told her where I got it and how long ago, she told me that that was one of hers. After that we got to talking and looking at the items she had in her booth, and sure enough, it was the same maker! And it just so happened that this was her last show, she is getting out of the jewelry game and moving on to other things. What a cool coincidence to run into here after all these years at her last show. Anyway, to make a really long story a little shorter, I had fun talking with her. I wanted to get another item from her...unfortunately I'm a broke ass right now so I couldn't afford anything, even with the gracious discounts she offered. But it was still a great experience!

Little Big Mountain

The downside of the day, as expected, was the mixture of Lee and I. Lee and I are much to similar at times, we are both pessimistic, get cranky when we get tired or hungry, these among other things. So when Lee comes down after he gets off work (3rd shift) needless to say he is already starting to get tired. He got to our house about 9am that day, we had a nice breakfast that momma made and then went to the festival. Well, it didn't take too long before it was obvious that he was getting tired. Not to bash on the man too much I'll just say we started to but heads. So we miss seeing Little Big Mountain's presentation, which I really wanted to see again this year (and thought that Lee would like to see as well). Then, right before I meet the lady I was just talking about, he wonders off. I didn't think much of it at the time, but after I leave the next booth I go looking for him...apparently he decided to start walking back home, as I see when I can't find him and finally take out my phone to call him, and he had sent me a text...wtf! The idiot is lucky I like him so much cause I don't put up with that bullshit for just anyone. I call him at this point and we talk for a few minutes, luckily he hadn't gotten too far so he came back and we finished looking around.

This was definitely not the best day, but I am glad I got to the festival this year and that Lee and I were able, yet again, to work through issues that arose. Ugh...I really hate drama.

What is SOPA really for?

Wow...I new this bill was full of shit the second I heard of it. I mean come on, is there anything that comes from the government that isn't? I just ran across this video and thought this guy explains what they are really trying to do with SOPA very well and in a "common man" way.

(Better watch it before SOPA passes and anything of value on the internet is shut down)

Dragons, Tattoos, and Murders Oh My!

I went to see The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo the other day, and loved it! It wasn't quite what I was expecting but then I knew nothing about the storyline other than what little I got from the previews. I did however know that it is also a book...though since I don't read very much for "fun", I of course haven't read it.

Ok, so here's what I thought of the movie: SPOILER ALERT!

First things first, I LOVED the opening sequence! It totally gave me a 007 feel but better! Over all, I thought it was a great movie; the cinematography was a little strange sometimes and the jumping back and forth from him to her made it a little hard to keep up with, but all in all I thought it worked well for this movie. I thought the cast was phenomenal; I already love Danial Craig and most of the supporting cast but this girl, Rooney Mara, was amazing! And her character really spoke to me...I think that's much more how I would have turned out had my parents not been so grounded.

Now to the storyline; I did very much enjoy the story, it was very real, and as a general rule I like that in a movie. I get tired of the happily ever afters after awhile, I like to see something that makes me think 'yup, that's how it would really happen'. As I said, it was a little hard to follow from time to time but I was able to keep up. Not knowing what to expect, I liked the story of all the characters and how they all come together. I thought the story of the murders/murderers was good and, yet again, very true to life. And I loved the twist towards the end with the girl that was supposed to be murdered...though I did kinda see it coming after he met with her the first time.

I was happy with the fact that they didn't go overkill on the gore, I think some is good to get the point across but I don't need to know what every inch of your insides looks like. I was however a little surprised at the rape scene, even though I was expecting it I guess I just wasn't expecting to see it. However, as one from a...tainted past, it was very true to life for me. I liked seeing how it combines with everything else to make her who and how she is. Also, I have to say, it was all I could do to keep from jumping up and clapping when she tied that bastard up and shoved the dildo in his ass! Not to mention his new tattoo!

And the end, ah the end...it left me saying "now that's how it would really happen!"

I do have to add this little note however, in talking with one of my girl friends who reads a lot, apparently this story comes from a young adult book...GASP! Ok, maybe I'm a little old fashioned, but I have to say with the level of profanity, nudity, and general subject matter I was sad to hear that this book/movie was meant for a 20something crowd! My friend (who is 25 herself) did explain to me that that was young adult not youth, and that apparently rape, profanity, gore and all is somewhat typical of a young adult book. Gasp once again... That just makes me kinda sad, a 20ish person should know about how the real world is but they don't need it like that. The reason I like it so much is because, though I haven't had it as bad as Lizbeth, I have been around this world more than someone my age should have been and I'm a realist, so I see a lot of not only myself but my life in a movie like this.

Needless to say, this is one that I will be buying as soon as I can. 

Hurt People Hurt People

Why are we the way we are? Why is it inevitable that everyone you know will at some point hurt you, let you down, etc.?


It seems it is too common for people to misunderstand each other. I know this comes from the fact that everyone is different, but why is it that some times we go looking to misunderstand someone? Why is it that we some times go looking for a "fight"? I try not to be that kind of person, but it is inevitable that everyone will do it sooner or later, and more than once in their lifetime. I am not typically that kind of person (though of course I do it from time to time); I'm not the kind of person who thrives on drama and making things difficult for others. I do know several people that are like that, and though I love them to a point, that is a trait I cannot stand in any person.

I don't want to upset the people I love, but it happens. I don't want to snap at people for no fault of their own, but it happens. I don't want to say that mean spirited thing that I know will cut you down faster than anything, but I do. And I know it all comes from my hurt place and goes straight to yours. A vicious cycle that can only be stopped by knowledge and hard work. We must learn to understand our weak points and why we do these things when we do, and then consciously work to stop ourselves before we do them. Otherwise, we will just continue to hurt those around us, then they will in-turn hurt those around them, and so on till the whole world bleeds to death and there is no one left to hurt anyone or be hurt.

“Hurt people hurt people. We are not being judgmental by separating ourselves from such people. But we should do so with compassion. Compassion is defined as a "keen awareness of the suffering of another coupled with a desire to see it relieved." People hurt others as a result of their own inner strife and pain. Avoid the reactive response of believing they are bad; they already think so and are acting that way. They aren't bad; they are damaged and they deserve compassion. Note that compassion is an internal process, an understanding of the painful and troubled road trod by another. It is not trying to change or fix that person.” 

― Will Bowen, Complaint Free Relationships: Transforming Your Life One Relationship at a Time

I don't like people as a general rule, most are just not worth my time and those that are will still get in the way at some point or another. This is why I don't like to get into a committed relationship; I know myself and I know human nature, and it all just creates drama and pain. So for me, I like to keep those types of relations at a comfortable distance. I don't need to know everything about him and he doesn't need to know everything about me. We don't need to spend every waking moment together but some time every once in a while is nice. And I most definitely don't want to have to explain myself to him regarding anything, much less everything.


I had a conversation with Lee today, it started out fine as I was telling him about planning to take my niece and nephew to see the Lipizzaner Stallions when they come stay with us for a week next month. I invited him to go with us because he loves horses (we have been wanting to go horseback riding ever since we met). Well, he just starts picking at things; "they're beautiful so they're expensive", actually they only request a $5 donation; "they just look like horses to me", of course they do, because that's what they are. You get the point. I hate it when people do that, if you don't want to go just fucking say so! Anyway, so I told him that. Surprise, he didn't like it.

This is just an example of what I'm talking about, it's inevitable when you're around other people. Why would I want this in my life?! I DON'T!

But even with that being said, I'm not going to stop seeing Lee, or any of my other guys, or my friends or family. As much as I may want to at times, I am still human and I do need at least some interaction with other people...I just want to keep it as drama and bullshit free as possible.

Believe it or not I do want to be a good person; I want to be the best me I can be and I don't want to hurt others or make them less than the best them they can be. But at the same time, I have to actively guard myself against being too distant with my tendency to not get very close. I am that person who constantly has that wall up, and very few people ever get in; only those who I decide I can not only forgive when they hurt me but truly let the hurt go. I know I do this to avoid getting hurt, and people tell me that its not a good thing to live like that, but I can't help but wonder...is it really that bad? Am I really hurting myself by protecting myself from getting hurt by others? 

Salvador Dali

So Lee and I went to the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg yesterday...it was very interesting. I had of course seen some of his work before and found the style to be interesting if nothing else, but obviously the man had talent regardless of whether you like his style or not.


We got there a little late so we only had about 2 hours to look around before they closed. We did get there in time for the last docent tour of the day (an hour long tour) so we decided to do it. The lady conducting the tour was very nice and pretty funny, and not to be mean, but I think maybe just a little too old to still be doing it; she seemed to have some memory problems from time to time. It was very interesting learning about the man and his ideas and meanings behind his art. However, the more I learned about all that the less and less I like both. I have to say, I think I would have enjoyed the museum more had I not known all the things the docent told us. 


Now let me just say once again, I do still think the man had great talent as an artist. However, I think a lot of his work is just straight up too busy; meaning I think (now knowing what all the different things in his art meant) that he had too many ideas and concepts that don't flow well together in one painting. When I look at art, I want to see somewhat of a coherent thought in it. Not that there can't be a lot of pieces to it, I just want to stay on the same train of thought through the piece as a whole. I think had I been able to look at his art and interpret it as I saw it, not as he meant it, I would have like it much better. Because not only is his work too busy, what with combining all his thoughts, interests and passions into one piece of art, I also do not agree with most of his ideals which is what his art represents. Of course I think he is entitled to think and believe anything he wants, I just found his art less appealing knowing what he meant it to be.


Anyway, I am glad that I went, and that I did the docent tour. I just wasn't as happy with it as I was hopping I'd be. But on the other hand, Lee liked it very much and enjoyed the tour and learning the details about the art. Needless to say we tend to have quite different tastes when it comes to this kind of art. 


Next up on our list to do is The Museum of Fine Arts' Ancient Egypt exhibit. Having a life-long love affair with Ancient Egypt this is something that I truly cannot wait to see!  

A Monster Of A Week

Well, the first week of 2012 is over... Needless to say it will not go down as a stellar week for me. Though it did get better as the week went on, I'm still fighting this moody feeling. 


I've been keeping myself busy this week with working on getting a great picture for a contest I'm entering and also making some one-of-a-kind (OOAK) Monster High dolls; I'll post pics when they're done. For some reason that's all I can think about lately, but I'm excited about it because I have several more ideas for custom dolls that I can't wait to make! Its kind of annoying though because for the past several days my mind has been going non-stop thinking about all the things I want to do. Isn't it funny how we can get obsessed with different things at different times; one week it might be all I want to think about is Monster High, then the next week all I can think about is Twilight, or painting, or writing...you get the idea. 


This afternoon I will have the house to myself, so I think I'll play some XBox and just chill for a few hours. See if I can't calm my mind a bit.


I am looking forward to this coming week; I will finally be going up to see Lee's new place and spend a few days with him. I think we're planning on going to the new Dali Museum in St. Petersburg! I love art!